I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now?

I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now? is a dark comedy film from 1975 that presents a twisted tale of intrigue, conniving scheming, and attempting to turn the act of murder into a laughable plot. Directed by Steven Hillard Stern and starring Bob Dishy, Joanna Barnes, and Bill Dana, the film is an unruly trip through a maze of playful deception and turned tables.

Bob Dishy takes on the role of Oliver, a hopeless businessman who shouldering financial burdens and is grappling with life's complexities. Oliver is unrelenting and quirky, qualities that Dishy magnificently transforms into a whimsical escape from the norm. Oliver's financial problems are steeped in a failed aircraft design, a failing that has left him scrambling to repay a loan to his wealthy father-in-law.

In the midst of this monetary crisis, Oliver hatches an outrageous plan. He decides to take out a huge insurance policy on his wife and then put a hit on her life. This is where Joanna Barnes steps onto our screens, playing the duplicitous wife, Miriam, whom the plan revolves around.

Joanna Barnes plays her role perfectly as a charming, intelligent but unsuspecting wife to Oliver. Unaware of the perilous plot afoot. Her obliviousness, combined with Oliver's ineptitude, constructuates a comical cat mouse game that runs throughout the film.

Bill Dana, playing the unorthodox hitman Bart Lewis, adds an extra twist to the plot. Oliver hires Bart for his 'killing services,' but it's soon clear that Bart is not the typical professional killer. Bart's addition to the equation not only complicates matters but also makes the film an increasingly labyrinthine comedy of mishaps, jumbled plots, wrecked plans, and bizarre twists.

"I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now?" explores the chaotic situation Oliver throws himself into, humorizing the horrifying concept of murder-for-insurance money. The film uses a dark humor lens to playfully engage with concepts of deceit, conspiracy, money, and marital woes.

Every facet of the plot is imbued with distinct eccentricities, and serious moments are often overlaid with comical undertones, creating a consistent thread of dark comedy throughout. This cheeky humor, combined with the well-staged plot and vivid characters, keeps viewers nailed to their seats, eager to see how the ludicrous situation unfolds and to what extent Oliver's crazy scheme can be taken.

The film also stands out for its witty dialogue. Sharp-witted and satirical exchanges occur frequently between the characters, with Bob Dishy demonstrating both verbal agility and comical distinctiveness. These character interactions make for an exceptionally engaging watch.

Bill Dana, as the hired hitman, adds a novel dynamic to the film. His unique blend of lethargy and lackadaisicalness towards his obscure profession provides a ludicrously humorous counterplot. It further amplifies the film's light-hearted illumination of macabre themes.

The ambiance of "I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now?" is also notable and evocative of the 1970s. Encased in periodic color palettes and referencing the socio-economic trends of the era, the film vividly captures the energy and atmosphere of the time. This historical authenticity is a significant aspect of the film's allure, creating an immersive experience for audiences.

Joanna Barnes's performance as the unsuspecting wife creates an engaging dynamic with Dishy's crazy scheming and plotting. Her subtlety and charm serve as contrapuntal to Dishy's frantic desperation, which immensely contributes to the comedy and thrill of the film.

In essence, the film provides a peek into one man's ludicrous venture into plots and plans that are often funny, absurd, silly, and dramatic - all at the same time. A far away from traditional comedy, "I Wonder Who's Killing Her Now?" surprises, startles, and keeps the audience engaged in equal parts, with its offbeat humor and intriguing hook.

One thing is certain: Whether you're a fan of dark comedies or are just looking for an engaging story, this film does an impressive job of taking a crime plot and turning it into a lighthearted, hilarious spectacle.